At an inaugural presentation event at UCSF, the tech luminaries who sponsored the $33 million Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences say they want to turn scientists into heroes.

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Facebook CEO backs $33M prize to extend human life

Mark Zuckerberg is lending his name and fortune to support developments in life sciences. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, join Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Brin's wife Anne Wojcicki, and famed venture capitalist Yuri Milner as founding sponsors of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. The prize, a $3 million financial reward, will be given out annually to scientists working to cure complex diseases. This year, 11 scientists each received the prize.

Zuckerberg discusses why he's sponsoring the prize

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg appeared on the panel without wife Priscilla Chan, who's also a sponsor of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. Zuckerberg told attendees that he hopes to draw attention to important research that will extend human life, and wants to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Anne Wojcicki speaks to students during UCSF presentation

Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, is passionate about inspiring budding scientists to pursue groundbreaking research that will cure disease. That's why she's sponsoring the annual prize with her husband, Sergey Brin.